ARIZONA & UTAH | SHOPPING

Shop trading posts for Navajo arts & crafts

There are more than two dozen trading posts, large and small, in the vicicity, along with smaller and roadside stands. Most towns on the Navajo reservation also boast their own galleries.

By Gregory McNamee, Special to the Los Angeles Times
08:30 PM PST, March 02, 2007

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NAVAJO ARTS & CRAFTS ENTERPRISE, at U.S. 160 and 163.

The deal: There are several branches of this Native American-owned gallery. Prices tend to be slightly lower than at trading posts, although the selection is usually more limited.

GOULDING'S LODGE, 1000 Main St., Monument Valley, UT 84536; (435) 727-3231; www.gouldings.com .

The deal: It has a good selection of Navajo jewelry and textiles, and the quality is very good. But there doesn't seem to be as much room for haggling as at other area trading posts.

TWIN ROCKS TRADING POST, 913 E. Navajo Twins Drive, Bluff, UT; (435) 672-2341, www.twinrocks.comv

The deal: The shop has a broad selection of Navajo arts and crafts, as well as Zuni and Santo Domingo jewelry and kachina carvings.

HUBBELL TRADING POST, Arizona 264, Ganado, AZ; (928) 755-3475, www.nps.gov/hutrv (about 140 road miles south and east of Kayenta)

The deal: The trading post was established in 1878 and is now a National Historic Site. It specializes in silverwork, basketry, beadwork and textiles, especially the famed Ganado Red weavings. It's a don't-miss for collectors.

MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK VISITOR CENTER, Monument Valley, Ariz.; (928) 871-6647 (Navajo Parks and Recreation Department)

The deal: The recently established vendor village near the Monument Valley visitor center gathers many former roadside stands in a single convenient place. One vendor, Elsie Mae Begay, sells beautiful silver and turquoise jewelry. Other Navajo artists and entrepreneurs sell artwork and handmade crafts.

— Gregory McNamee, Special to The Times